No matter whether you’re a teacher planning the spring curriculum for your class, or you’re a parent that wants to incorporate fun and immersive learning in the home, nature-inspired activities such as dandelion sensory bins are a great way to support the healthy development of children of all ages.
The only question is, how do you make a dandelion soup sensory bin, exactly?
Nature-inspired sensory bins (like the one we are focusing about in this guide) can often be a little trickier to make than holiday or seasonal-themed sensory bins, but this is why we are here – to lend you a helping hand!
In this guide, you’ll find all of the information you need to make a dandelion soup sensory bin of your own.
From providing you with an overview of what sensory bins are, all the way to instructions on how you can successfully make your very own dandelion soup sensory bin, we’ve covered all bases in this article.
Scroll on!
What Is A Dandelion Soup Sensory Bin?
Before we jump into the instructions of how to make your very own dandelion soup sensory bin, we first think that it would be helpful to give you an overview of what this type of sensory bin actually is!
Well, this dandelion soup sensory bin that we are focusing on today is an awesome spring and summer nature-themed activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
This particular sensory bin is also great for use in a variety of environments, including both the home as well as the classroom.
No matter whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this nature-themed sensory bin will allow children to get creative and explore all of the different ways that dandelion flowers, leaves, grass and seeds heads can be used by making, quite literally, a dandelion soup!
After you have made a dandelion soup sensory bin, the children will then be able to do the following things:
Use the various utensils to explore all of the different items that can be found within the sensory bin.
Observe the various parts of a dandelion flower in close detail, including the flower petals, the bud, the seeds, the stem and even the leaves!
Have the chance to feel the different parts of the flower to experience all of the different textures of the dandelion flower.
But, how do you make a dandelion soup sensory bin? This brings us to our next section!
How To Make A Dandelion Soup Sensory Bin
Nature-inspired sensory bins are fun and engaging sensory-focused experiences that can help children with their development. Below, let’s take a look at how you can easily make your very own dandelion soup sensory bin:
What You’ll Need
Before we talk you through the instructions of how to make your very own dandelion soup sensory bin, we are first going to take a moment to provide you with a breakdown of all the necessary supplies you are going to need to make sure that you have:
A large tray, or a plastic container.
Dandelion flowers, seed heads, grass and leaves.
Various utensils such as spoons, whisks, cups and scoops.
Magnifying glasses that are suitable for children to use.
Yellow food coloring (optional).
Step-By-Step Instructions
Once you have made sure that you have all of the necessary supplies that you need in order to make your very own nature-inspired sensory bin, we are now going to be providing you with simple, step-by-step instructions that you can follow to go ahead and make the bin:
1.Select a location: Before you even think about assembling your sensory bin to make a “dandelion soup” you are first going to need to go ahead and select a spot to keep the sensory bin.
If this is going to be in a classroom, then you should choose somewhere that is going to be easily accessible for all of your students, and if you’re making one for the home, you should choose a space that is spacious enough for play.
2.Add the dandelions: Once you have selected where you would like the sensory bin to be kept, it will then be time for you to begin putting together your dandelion soup sensory bin.
You should start by placing all of the dandelion flowers, seed heads, leaves and grass into the sensory bin.
3.Pour water into the container: After you have added all of the items in the step above, you will then be ready to go ahead and pour some water into the container!
If you have chosen to use the yellow food coloring, then you can go ahead and add a few drops of the dye to the water to turn it a yellow color. This will keep with the theme of dandelions, nature and springtime.
4. Add the utensils: The last step that you will need to do in order to complete your dandelion soup sensory bin is to add all of the utensils!
You can either opt to put the utensils directly into the sensory bin (see also: “Put Me In The Zoo” Sensory Bin)or alternatively you can place them around the sensory bin. This will allow the children to easily grab the utensils that they want to use while they are playing with the sensory bin!
5. Add additional learning materials: Last but not least, you also have the option to add additional learning materials to help enhance the learning experience of the sensory bin. This can be all about nature, flowers, the season of spring and, of course, dandelions! It’s entirely up to you.
Remember, while your children or students are playing with the dandelion soup sensory bin, you should be sure to ask them open-ended questions to encourage independent thinking.
In addition to this, if you are going to be including books around the sensory bin, you should also make sure that you are reading them while using the sensory bin to help enhance the learning experience.
The Bottom Line
You’ve made it to the end of the article! After taking the time to read through our guide to making nature-inspired sensory bins, we are hoping that you now have a clear idea of how to go about making your very own dandelion soup sensory bin.
Along with other types of nature-inspired sensory bins, this dandelion soup sensory bin is quick and easy to make, and will provide an immersive and educational learning experience.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy making your own dandelion soup sensory bin to enjoy with your children!
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